Today is the day that our stunning Stars and Stripes are commemorated, a day when we take a second, more worthy look at our Red, White, & Blue Beauty. A day in which we show our love, respect, and appreciation for the ultimate symbol of independence, unity, and freedom. As George M. Cohan poetically puts it, “You’re the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave.” Without a doubt, our American Flag, its history, significance, and beauty, is a tale that will forever be told with pride.
But it’s not all serious. After all, it’s also a celebration! Take a closer look at some of the local and FREE events around Society Hill and Washington Square for Flag Day:
Army Trucks Galore
The Independence Mall will host a variety of U.S. Army tactical vehicles including Mine Resistant Armored Personnel, a Stryker, a M1114 Up-armored HUMMV, and an LMTV truck with a tow-behind Howitzer.
Happy 235th Birthday!
Watch as the military band performs at the Betsy Ross House, to commemorate the 235th Birthday of the American Flag! And stay to watch the City of Philadelphia Proclamation’s Naturalization Ceremony, in which 13 individuals will become American citizens.
Flag Day Movie Night
On Friday, re-join the Betsy Ross house for an outdoor Flag Day Movie Night with Quizzo afterwards!
Once Upon a Nation History
On Saturday, from 11am-4pm, bring the entire family to the annual Flag Fest with live entertainment, puppet shows, crafts, Once Upon A Nation History Makers, an aerial circus, jugglers and more.
Some surprising rules for displaying our Stars and Stripes:
- The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
- In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
- The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
- The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
- After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It’s called “half staff” on land, and “half mast” on a ship.
- When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field, or “union”, is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
- The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
- The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
- Never let your flag touch the ground, never…period.
- Fold your flag when storing. Don’t just stuff it in a drawer or box.
- When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.
Happy Flag Day everyone!
